Forensic Psychology & Law Applied Research Group

This applied research group is distinctive in that it combines expertise in forensic psychology and law.  It focuses on two key areas:

• Violence and sexual violence
• The investigation and prosecution of crime

The group provides a unique perspective and expert advice through research, consultancy and training in a number of areas including fatal, non-fatal and sexual violence, domestic violence, sexual grooming, conviction evidence and jury decision-making, and police use of behavioural profiling.

Key areas of activity

• Conducting empirical research that will contribute to knowledge, understanding, and the practice and application of:
  (a) violence and sexual violence
  (b) the investigation and prosecution of crime
• Conducting applied research in forensic settings and provide research consultancy to forensic organisations and personnel, such as the Home Office, the Prison Service, the Probation Service, the Ministry of Justice, the Department of Constitutional Affairs, the Crown Prosecution Service and victim support services
• Providing forensic psychology practice, application consultancy, and/or advice to relevant organisations and personnel, such as the Prison Service, the Probation Service, Youth Offending Teams, victim support services and to forensic psychologists
  Developing and providing CPD courses to forensic personnel, and on forensic issues to a wider audience

Strengths of the Forensic Psychology & Law ARG

1. Interdisciplinary team of experts with complementary skills
2. High level of national influence through committee representation, training provision, editorial responsibility, or consultancy contracts including:

• British Psychological Society
• Division of Forensic Psychology
• British Board of Film Classification
• Journal of Sexual Aggression
• Law Society and General Council of the Bar
• Home Office
• Department of Constitutional Affairs
• Law Commission
• Crown Prosecution Service